The early 1990s was the last time women had higher cancer rates than men. Yet, in 2025, the headline of the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) annual report reveals an alarming trend — cancer incidence rates in women under 50 are now 82% higher than in men the same age, up from 51% in 2002. Lung cancer is now more common in women than men ages 35-54, and for women under 65, uterine, breast, melanoma, colorectal and pancreatic cancers are on the rise.
From a regional perspective, the Midwest follows suit, with cancer diagnoses shifting from older adults to younger adults — and from men to women.
“The more we dig into the research, the clearer the picture becomes,” says Carolyn Bhakta, M.D., F.A.C.S., oncoplastic breast surgeon at City of Hope® Cancer Center Chicago. “I see this trend firsthand in my clinic. It’s worrisome — and a call to action for young women and the health care community.”
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Cancer among younger Midwestern women
- What’s behind the rising rates?
- Cancer screening and early detection in Chicago
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and is looking for a second opinion, call us 24/7 at (877) 524-4673.
Cancer Among Midwestern Women Under 50
Across the Midwest — including Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan — a concerning pattern has emerged: More women under 50 are being diagnosed with cancer, and the future five-year trend is predicting a growing pattern of higher incidence rates.
Illinois Fast Facts
- Breast cancer is on the rise in women under 50, with nearly 1,900 new expected each year.
- Colorectal cancer is also increasing in this age group, with more than 300 new cases expected annually.
- Among women under 50, Cook County ranks second in the state for ovarian cancer diagnoses and 26th for breast cancer compared to others in the same age group.
Wisconsin Fast Facts
- Breast cancer is rising in women under 50, with more than 820 new cases expected each year; Milwaukee and Kenosha reflect the same upward trend.
- Colorectal cancer is also increasing in this age group, with almost 140 new cases expected annually.
- Racine and Milwaukee counties are experiencing a shift in cancer burden, with an uptick of diagnoses in women under 50.
In Michigan, Ohio and Iowa, colorectal cancer is increasing in women under 50, with Ohio and Iowa reporting the same trend for breast cancer.
What’s Behind the Higher Rates?
Of course, the main question is: Why are so many young women getting cancer? The answer is complex, with a range of possible contributing factors.
One major driver of higher incidence rates is breast cancer, which mainly affects women, and experts believe it’s due to a mix of lifestyle, reproductive, genetic and environmental factors, including:
- Changes in reproductive habits (delaying childbirth or not having children)
- Rising rates of obesity and alcohol use
- Earlier puberty and longer exposure to hormones
- More visibility of inherited genetic risks, such as carrying the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations
- Possible environmental and lifestyle shifts
Cigarette smoking remains the leading risk factor contributing to cancer cases and deaths in the U.S., while excess body weight and alcohol consumption are also significant risk factors.
Studies show that alcohol use — and overuse — is increasing among women. Since alcohol has been clearly linked to a higher risk for several types of cancer, including liver, esophageal, head and neck and breast cancer, it plays an influential role in these trends.
Obesity is also a key factor, as it raises the risk for 13 types of cancer that make up about 40% of all cases diagnosed in the United States each year. More ultra-processed food intake in recent decades means more sugar, unhealthy fats and artificial ingredients. At the same time, daily life has become more sedentary. More screen time and desk jobs mean more people, especially young adults, are moving less than ever before, which also contributes to rising obesity rates.
Environmental factors are another potential factor under the microscope. From the air they breathe to everyday products, young people are exposed to more chemicals and pollutants than past generations, and researchers are working hard to understand how this might be affecting their long-term health.
Cancer Screening and Early Detection in the Chicago Area
Patients can take action to protect their health by controlling risk factors, asking questions and following recommended screenings,” Dr. Bhakta says. “Screening is key — when cancer is found early, it’s often more treatable and curable. Early detection can save your life.”
At locations in Lake County, downtown Chicago and the North Shore, City of Hope offers screening technologies for breast, colorectal and lung cancer as well as genetic counseling.
Dr. Bhakta encourages women to talk to their doctor about a personalized screening plan based on age, family history, lifestyle choices and other factors. She also emphasizes screening guidelines, for example, beginning breast cancer screenings earlier than age 40 if women have an increased risk of the disease at a younger age.
She points to the Women’s Cancer Center at City of Hope Chicago as a place where women — of all ages — from Illinois, Wisconsin and surrounding areas can receive personalized care for breast and gynecologic cancers.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and is looking for a second opinion, call us 24/7 at (877) 524-4673.